The iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata is undergoing a major security and logistical transformation to host a monumental religious gathering this Sunday. Organisers from the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad project an unprecedented assembly of approximately five lakh devotees for a historic collective recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, marking it as potentially the largest event of its kind in India's history.
Unprecedented Scale and Spiritual Gathering
This mega event, planned for months, aims to unite Hindu devotees in a powerful, synchronized chanting session. The program will commence at 9 am on Sunday, December 7, 2025, starting with the recitation of sacred Vedas. The main chanting will be led from a primary stage by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who is the guest of honour. The congregation will be presided over by Swami Gyananandaji Maharaj of the Gita Manishi Mahamandal.
Alongside Baba Ramdev, the event will feature a constellation of spiritual figures. Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham is a special guest, and Padma Bhushan awardee Sadhvi Rithambara will attend as the chief guest. Other prominent leaders like Kartik Maharaj are also scheduled to participate. Kartik Maharaj, a monk from Bharat Sevashram Sangha, emphasized that the event honors Bengal's rich spiritual legacy, organized with support from monasteries, temples, ashrams, and various institutions.
High-Profile Attendance and Tight Security Arrangements
The event has drawn confirmations from several dignitaries. West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose will be present as a special guest on the dais. While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has received an invitation, her attendance remains unconfirmed as her office has not yet responded. Senior BJP leaders, including state president Samik Bhattacharya and Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, are expected to join the gathering.
Given the colossal expected turnout, security has been significantly beefed up across the Brigade Parade Ground area. The elaborate measures include:
- 25 designated entry gates to manage crowd inflow.
- A comprehensive network of CCTV cameras at strategic points.
- Deployment of drones for aerial surveillance of the proceedings.
A Landmark Event for Bengal's Cultural Heritage
The organisers are unequivocal in their claim that this will set a new record for collective Gita chanting in India, surpassing any previous event in Kolkata, Bengal, or the nation. With three stages set up to accommodate the massive crowd, the focus remains on creating a spiritually charged and secure environment.
This gathering at the historic Brigade Parade Ground is more than just a religious recital; it is a statement of cultural resurgence. By bringing together lakhs of devotees and revered spiritual leaders, the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad aims to spotlight Bengal's enduring role as a cradle of spiritual and cultural heritage, creating a historic moment of collective devotion and peace.